A final release that actually works after 2 years of stumbling it should be made available to users for free – except when you’re dealing with a monopoly. In reality we all knew our chances were nil, so I admit, principles aside today I surrendered and paid the ransom – I need my PC back and this may just be the best deal I can get.

In true Microsoft style there are a myriad of Win7 SKU’s and prices, all the way to Windows 7 Ultimate at a whopping $319.99. I agree with Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, this is way too expensive, especially for a replacement of a transitional failed product. But forget all the complex pricing: for most current non-corporate Windows users the real price is $50.

That’s the temporary promotional price ($49.99) for Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade at the Microsoft Store and several retailers. I actually spotted it for $44.99 at Costco, but they charge over $10 for delivery, so the beast deal appears to be Amazon with free shipping, or direct download from Microsoft.

The catch? This deal is only available until July 11 or while supplies last in the US and Canada, and July 5 in Japan and it’s just a pre-order: shipping only starts October 22nd. While supplies last? Apparently Microsoft is only willing to sell a certain unannounced number at these prices. I’m calling BS.

This is a marketing ploy to demonstrate pent-up demand, huge sales success with a sold-out condition at launch. It will actually work, as anybody with some common sense and current Vista machines will upgrade, not willing to pay the penalty price after the deadline. Which pretty much means standalone consumer sales will ALL happen in the presale period, after that Win7 will only be sold to OEMs for new systems, as free upgrade to Vista or XP-based system sold between now and late October, and to corporate costumers.

Translation: the $119.99 to $319.99 prices are bogus, the real Windows 7 standalone prices are what you see above.

6 responses to “Your Ransom to Break Free of Vista: $50 Win7 Upgrade – Catch it While You Can”

Is it true that the Vista to Win7 path is not a typical upgrade? That is, instead of having the system update while preserving files, one must make a backup because the update actually is an overwrite of the drive … Anyway, not sure what the deal is, but people may want to double-check …see CNET UK